New plea to free captive reporter
THE parents of Austin Tice, a freelance reporter who went missing in Syria nearly five years ago, urged their son’s captors yesterday for another chance to negotiate his release.
Speaking in Beirut, Marc and Debra Tice said they were encouraged by the US administration’s efforts to get their son home, but it was not enough.
“We now plead with those holding Austin to reach out to us again and give us another chance to communicate,” Debra Tice said.
“Whoever, wherever, whatever. We will do it to bring our son home.”
Tice went missing on August 14 2012 near Damascus. He is believed to be the only American journalist currently held in Syria.
His parents say they have not received claims of responsibility for his disappearance nor any demands. Syria’s government has denied it is holding him. Last month, the New York Times reported that a CIA back channel with Syrian intelligence had rekindled hopes for Tice’s release.
Citing former US officials, the Times said the talks had been scrapped after a suspected chemical weapons attack on a rebel-held town in April.
Washington blamed the attack on the Syrian regime and US President Donald Trump ordered a major air strike on the base from which it was allegedly launched.
Marc Tice said he was encouraged by the speed and engagement of the new administration.